Ischemia‐modified albumin in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Introduction The identification of novel, easily measurable disease biomarkers might enhance the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA), a marker of oxidative stress, acidosis, and ischemia, in RD patients and healthy controls. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to January 15, 2024. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. Results In 20 studies investigating a total of 1188 RD patients (mean age 45 years, 64% females) and 981 healthy controls (mean age 44 years, 66% females), RD patients had significantly higher IMA concentrations when compared to controls (standard mean difference, SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.18−0.83, p = .003; I2 = 92.4%, p